Born Standing Up

[Audiobook]
By: Steve Martin
Narrated by: Steve Martin
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Dates Listened: December 1, 2019 - February 9, 2020
Length: 4 hours 2 minutes
Source: Audible

Why did I read it?
This is actually a book that I own a physical copy of and read many years ago.  My dad had gifted it to me for Christmas when I was 14 or 15.  Maybe because I loved the Father of the Bride movies and Cheaper by the Dozen and he wanted me to actually know stuff about the actor.  Who knows, this was a typical dad thing.  When I put it in my audible library, I was thinking about that and, if you have been here before you know why, I wanted to hear it from Steve Martin himself.  

Born Standing Up focuses specifically on Steve Martin's stand up career.  He talks a bit about writing for some variety shows and a bit about his movies but only as it relates directly to his stand up.  My teenage self didn't even know Steve Martin started in stand up until I read this book.  Which is probably why my dad gave it to me. 

Steve Martin really has his finger in everything and he did it all (but also what seemed like nothing) in his stand up.  He got his start at Disneyland as a young teen.  He eventually made his way to the magic shop where he learned a lot of tricks and how to entertain.  Then he moved over to Knotts Berry Farm where he performed in a stage show they have their.  He plays the banjo.  He has props.  He called his stand up anti-comedy that he spent years and years refining it.  He shares how he went from doing stand up shows to literally no audience to selling out huge theatres.  It was really quite interesting.  

Of course, hearing Steve read his book is the best.  More-so in this case than any other, only the author can read this book.  He reads lines from his stand up so without his knowledge of the purpose, the intonation, etc. the joke makes absolutely no sense.  It was wonderful to hear him share the story.  Also, between every chapter he plays the banjo.  This makes the book so authentically Steve's and is an excellent touch. 

Rating: 4/5
That's right, I'm giving it a 4.  This was all new information and it was told so well you have to like it.  Also, a little backstage pass to Disneyland?  Okay.  

Recommendation: If you like Steve Martin in anything, give this a listen or a read.  I can tell you I enjoyed listening as an adult more than I enjoyed reading it as a teen.  As most teenagers, I didn't realize the quality and learning of an autobiography.  It's a short book and a quick read and well worth the 4 hours.